Focused on tomorrow
The Fixfast sustainability journey
How do better, safer buildings contribute to sustainability?
Buildings can only ever be as sustainable as the components used to construct them.
At Fixfast, we are committed to quality engineering. Our fasteners are designed and manufactured in line with the latest available technology, to maximise the lifespan of these products.
All this means you can rely on our fasteners and components to deliver the high standards of performance required of modern, sustainable buildings.
What are we doing to operate more sustainably?
Now, more than ever before, we are increasingly seeing our partners and stakeholders scrutinising the sustainability of their supply chain.
Being a part of that supply chain within construction means we have a responsibility to not only take steps to reduce our impact on the environment, but also ensure the business is operating ethically and sustainably. The commitment is embedded in the fabric of the company, and backed up by independent certifications and accreditations we've received.
Our journey to a more sustainable future started when we began our quest to 'become better', and is split over three inseparable and interconnected elements:
Social responsibility
Environmental stewardship
Setting the standard for sustainable solutions
Overarching this is the re-certification to EcoVadis Gold we achieved last year; an independent accreditation that puts us in the top 5% of companies certified. Standing as an industry-leading endorsement of our environmental policies and our overall performance as a company, this is really the start, we've only just begun.
Social Responsibility
People are everything. From the team that makes up Fixfast, to the stakeholders we collaborate with to provide solutions for the industry; our approach is one of integrity.
We'll always ensure that human rights are upheld - from within Fixfast, to our suppliers and other partners: we're wholeheartedly devoted to being a good, fair employer.
Environmental stewardship
To help minimise our impact on the environment, we have undertaken a range of projects to lower our carbon footprint, save energy, minimise waste, and increase recycling.
Reducing transport-related carbon emissions
Our investment in UK manufacturing has reduced the need for international shipping - we use British steel and many of our products are manufactured at our UK based facilities.
Our products are distributed by courier, maximising delivery efficiency. What's more, our preferred courier operates the largest, all-electric delivery fleet in the UK.
Electric car charging points have been installed at our offices, and half of the company vehicle fleet is not hybrid or electric. In time, all vehicles will be switched to electric as contracts are renewed.
Alongside this, a 'Cycle to Work' scheme is in place, and office staff have the option to work from home.
Saving energy and power
A biomass boiler has been installed at our UK head office and an air source heat pump has been installed at our Rolvenden manufacturing unit - meaning we don't need to use gas to heat our facilities.
Other energy-saving measures we've taken include:
Replacing low-energy LED lighting instead of standard fluorescent bulbs
Installing PIR sensors to activate lighting only when someone enters the room
Coordinating shift patterns to minimise energy use
Sending zero waste to landfill
Our investment in advanced 4.0 manufacturing technologies has meant that unprecedented accuracy of production is delivered throughout the manufacturing process - improving quality, reliability, and reducing waste.
Other waste initiatives implemented include:
Shredding cardboard waste to use as packaging material
Regrinding waste nylon to reuse within our manufacturing process
Moving to paperless invoicing (unless requested by our customers)
Introducing paperless picking in our warehouse
Making brochures available as digital versions, and swapping the packaging on the printed copies with biodegradable material
But it's an ongoing effort...
Although we've taken measures to reduce our impact on the environment, it requires a proactive effort, which is why we've set ourselves targets to line up with leading standards, such as the UK Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To reach these it requires a team effort - everyone has a part to play in sustainability.
One of our commitments is to the SME Climate Hub, ensuring we can track our reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Our most recent report can be found here.
Setting the standard for sustainable solutions
Products that stand the test of time must be designed, manufactured, and sourced sustainably. Creating quality products that solve the problems faced on-site today is and will always be a strong promise from us. Manufacturers now must take their responsibility in the sustainability value chain - right through to maintenance and recycling.
